Catalyst Partners Middle East (CPME) organized a press conference on Sunday, 28 December 2025, as part of the bell-ringing ceremony hosted by the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) to celebrate the commencement of trading of CPME shares. The event marked a milestone for Egypt’s capital markets, as CPME became the first Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) to be listed and traded on the EGX, and the first company to be established and listed specifically for this purpose.
The opening of the trading session was led by Dr. Islam Azzam, Chairman of the Egyptian Exchange, in the presence of senior officials and market leaders, highlighting the strategic importance of this landmark listing for the development of Egypt’s financial ecosystem.
Senior Leadership and Market Officials in Attendance
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohamed Sabry, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Exchange; Mr. Mahmoud Gabrial, Assistant to the Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA); Mr. Maged Shawky, Chairman of Catalyst Partners Middle East; and Mr. Tarek Effat, Managing Director of the company. The event also brought together a number of executives from the EGX and Catalyst Partners Middle East, reflecting strong institutional support for this new financial vehicle.
The presence of key representatives from regulatory and market institutions underscored the confidence placed in the SPAC framework and its role in supporting capital market innovation in Egypt.
A Positive Step for Egypt’s Capital Markets
During the event, Dr. Islam Azzam emphasized that the launch of Catalyst Partners Middle East as Egypt’s first SPAC represents a positive and forward-looking step for the Egyptian securities market. He noted that the listing is fully aligned with the regulatory framework issued by the Financial Regulatory Authority, while maintaining the same high standards of governance, disclosure, and transparency applied to traditional listed companies.
He added that this initiative is consistent with the Egyptian Exchange’s pivotal role in supporting corporate growth and expansion, and in providing non-traditional financing alternatives that align with international best practices. The SPAC model, he explained, enhances market depth and offers innovative pathways for capital formation.
Strategic Acquisitions Supporting Growth
The commencement of trading followed CPME’s successful acquisitions of two strategic entities. The first is Catalyst Partners Holding, which operates in the non-banking financial services (NBFI) sector, and the second is QARDY, a fintech startup specializing in financial digitalization. QARDY focuses on facilitating lending processes for small and medium-sized enterprises through partnerships with various financial institutions.
These acquisitions reflect CPME’s strategy of building an integrated financial services platform that combines traditional NBFI activities with advanced digital solutions, targeting underserved segments and supporting financial inclusion.
Innovation-Driven Business Model
In a presentation delivered during the event, Mr. Maged Shawky, Chairman and Co-Founder of Catalyst Partners Middle East, explained that the company has adopted scientific research and innovation as core pillars of its growth strategy. CPME is leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies to deliver innovative non-banking financial services and to achieve sustainable long-term growth.
He highlighted the company’s focus on regional expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, alongside its continued commitment to impact investing. This approach aims to generate measurable economic and social value while delivering competitive financial returns.
Pioneering Artificial Intelligence Solutions
Mr. Shawky also revealed that during the current year, CPME supported several artificial intelligence innovations. Among the most notable was the launch of the Middle East’s first advanced AI-powered Investor Relations Officer, known as “MAI – Misr AI.” The solution was developed in partnership with the US-based startup CONVRZ AI and represents a significant step toward enhancing transparency, investor engagement, and data-driven communication in capital markets.
This initiative demonstrates CPME’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into financial services and corporate governance practices.
SPACs as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Commenting on the broader economic impact, Mr. Tarek Effat, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Catalyst Partners Middle East, stated that SPACs have the potential to open new horizons for the Egyptian economy. He explained that this model can support Egyptian companies and innovative startups by providing access to capital through the stock exchange, enabling them to finance future growth plans and pursue sustainable regional expansion.
He stressed that the introduction of SPACs contributes to diversifying financing tools within the Egyptian capital market and enhances its ability to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term economic development.
A Milestone for Market Innovation
The listing of Catalyst Partners Middle East as Egypt’s first SPAC represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the country’s capital markets. It signals growing regulatory maturity, openness to global financial models, and a clear commitment to fostering innovation-driven growth.
As trading begins, CPME’s debut is expected to encourage further adoption of alternative financing structures, strengthen investor confidence, and position the Egyptian Exchange as a more dynamic and competitive marketplace within the region.
